This documentary portrait of the filmmaker's grandmother was a lot of fun to watch. Nana, born in 1899, has a life that has spanned three centuries and will be 104 this year! Most of this film was shot after Nana had turned 96 and it is an amazing collection of interviews with her and her family, with lots of archival footage included. Nana's life has a lot of ups and downs, including family deaths that shatter her world, but she always gets over it and goes on. A wonderful, heartfelt portrait of an amazing lady. There were a few moments where the film began to drag, but at 80 minutes it was just about the right length. If you've ever thought you didn't want to live long, see this film, Nana is having a lot of fun at age 100 plus! 9 out of 10.
5 Reviews
Life, every day counts.
newmans18 December 2011
I should be rating this a 10 for what it is, but my rating system criteria would be screwed up.
It is be easy to say I generally agree with all the compliments given by the previous three review. I would only wonder why there are not more than three. Whether you rate it all that highly or not, it is just a very good part of American history well worth anyone seeing.
At first these people are brazen and irritating but as time goes on you begin to feel part of the family, especially as the director pulls family forbidden secrets out for discussion, where they should be, everyone is fallible and human.
I might make one minor correction, not being one and living in a Sicilian community it might be better to say Sicilian American family rather than Italian American. Oh well!!
It is be easy to say I generally agree with all the compliments given by the previous three review. I would only wonder why there are not more than three. Whether you rate it all that highly or not, it is just a very good part of American history well worth anyone seeing.
At first these people are brazen and irritating but as time goes on you begin to feel part of the family, especially as the director pulls family forbidden secrets out for discussion, where they should be, everyone is fallible and human.
I might make one minor correction, not being one and living in a Sicilian community it might be better to say Sicilian American family rather than Italian American. Oh well!!
Excellent! Bravo!
Malco15 September 2003
It is very rare that a little gem like this will pop up. Rarely are the very oldest among us given the spotlight, and what a great spotlight it is. Alex Halpern's love of his Nana is apparent at every turn and who could blame him? Many families used to be held together by someone such as Nana who is both loved and feared, tender and scathing. This movie dares to show both sides of a remarkable woman who is both honest and at times selective in her memories. I was delighted to learn that Nana is still alive at 104. Maybe death is afraid to take on this old gal. This is a must see movie!
Outstanding Documentary!
mrcaw1223 January 2006
Don't be mislead into thinking that the main character of this documentary is a frail, quiet woman. Just the opposite. She comes across more as a person in their 70s than in her 90s which is when most of the footage of our heroine is taken.
This really is one of the best documentaries of its kind that I've ever seen.
First of all there is quite a lot of vintage footage which is always a treat.
Second of all, is that this family has a lot of great stories to tell and they tell them with a lot of humor and drama.
This is not one of those depressing documentaries showcasing a sad, lonely person at the end of their life. Just the opposite, our heroine is vibrant and passionate and vital and the entire Italian American family in this documentary all tell their sides of some family history.
This would be a movie worth buying!
This really is one of the best documentaries of its kind that I've ever seen.
First of all there is quite a lot of vintage footage which is always a treat.
Second of all, is that this family has a lot of great stories to tell and they tell them with a lot of humor and drama.
This is not one of those depressing documentaries showcasing a sad, lonely person at the end of their life. Just the opposite, our heroine is vibrant and passionate and vital and the entire Italian American family in this documentary all tell their sides of some family history.
This would be a movie worth buying!
Do Not make women like her anymore; WELL almost.
ilbarone1398 April 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Just view this wonderful Documentary whenever you can. Does Not make any differences if your Italian any ethnic background has/had women MATRIARCHS LIKE Nana.My Paternal Grand Mother was this women's Clone. Being Sicilian we usually do NOT refer her as Nana. If she was alive today she would be 137. Grandpa came here thrice before he moved the Family (Son, My Dad Pietro, Daughter My aunt Maria, and Gram Guiseppina.Grand Dad was a highly skilled Mattone (Mason Brick Layer, Cement Plaster),Built many sidewalks in YE OLDE NEW YORK with my dad. Grandma was Boss a Home. She was tall while grand Dad was only 5'1" a power house. Dug wells and cellars from existing homes with DYNAMITE.
Grand Ma when we mixed cement would watch & shout Orders Aqua,piu sabbia, piu cemento (more water, sand, cement).. Naturally great cook always made Sicilian Pizza,(Sfincione with potato's & onions under filled crust) Holiday Mornings. While MOM would be making complete Christmas/Easter Dinner. Grand knew two cooks No Good in Kitchen. Unusual for Mother-in-law to state Daughter was best Cook both families.Regard to Great Lady in "Nine Teeth" whom is alive today Excellent way her grand Son Portrayed her story.
Grand Ma when we mixed cement would watch & shout Orders Aqua,piu sabbia, piu cemento (more water, sand, cement).. Naturally great cook always made Sicilian Pizza,(Sfincione with potato's & onions under filled crust) Holiday Mornings. While MOM would be making complete Christmas/Easter Dinner. Grand knew two cooks No Good in Kitchen. Unusual for Mother-in-law to state Daughter was best Cook both families.Regard to Great Lady in "Nine Teeth" whom is alive today Excellent way her grand Son Portrayed her story.
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